The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, has made a passionate appeal to “build, drive, and sustain peace for all” around the world.
In a statement marking the International Day for Peace 2023, Guterres stated that “people and our planet are in crisis,” emphasizing the unprecedented impact of complex crises such as conflicts, displacement, climate change, human rights violations, and inequalities on humanity.
“Today, a record number of people require humanitarian aid, primarily due to conflicts and other emergencies. In 2022, conflict-related civilian deaths increased by over 50 per cent, largely attributable to the war in Ukraine.
“Essentially, one-fourth of humanity resides in conflict-affected areas, while many others endure poverty, hunger, injustice, and inequalities.
“Peace is not just an admirable vision for humanity. Peace is a call to action,” stressed Guterres. He and the President of the General Assembly, Dennis Francis, led the customary Peace Bell ceremony and observed a minute of silence at the UN’s Japanese Garden to commemorate the International Day.
The Peace Bell, crafted from donated coins and medals from all over the world, including contributions from children, is rung twice a year – on the first day of spring during the Vernal Equinox to celebrate Earth Day, and on the International Day of Peace.
Peace is not just an admirable vision for humanity.
Peace is a call to action.
This #PeaceDay, and every day, let us commit to building, driving & sustaining peace for all. pic.twitter.com/1CtqQ26Zbx
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) September 21, 2023
Prior to the official day, commemorative events are taking place with a focus on inspiring young people to take action for the Sustainable Development Goals. These goals, adopted in 2015, consist of 17 targets addressing critical issues like poverty, injustice, environmental degradation, and human suffering, with the aim of improving lives.
In support of the Secretary-General’s call to action, award-winning actor/producer and UN Messenger of Peace, Michael Douglas, who has championed global disarmament since 1998, will present a video featuring a new poem titled “Peace begins with me,” at the youth event.
The poem, written by Pacifique Akilimali, a UN peacekeeper in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Nigerian poet Maryam Bukar Hassan, includes appearances by Douglas, Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram, and other peacekeepers and activists from around the world.
Produced to commemorate the 75th anniversary of UN Peacekeeping Operations, the poem acknowledges the significance of individuals serving as torchbearers for peace within a collective movement for change. It pays tribute to the resilience and strength of those affected by conflicts and the individuals who protect them and work towards sustainable peace in their communities, enabling them to rebuild their lives.
“We need to create a global movement for peace, one that empowers everyone to know that no matter how big or small their contribution, they can make a difference in our world. Peace begins with every single one of us, and together, we can build a better future for all,” said Douglas.
“If we want to see a better future, we have to consider the actions we take today. It’s a simple cause-and-effect relationship – everything I do individually will have an impact on my future, and collectively, our actions will shape the world,” added climate activist Xiye Bastida, who will also address the youth event.
Since 2018, the UN’s ActNow movement has played a central role in encouraging people to collectively advocate for change, whether it be through taking climate action, fighting for human rights, or promoting solidarity.
Notable guests attending the youth event include DJ Cuppy from Nigeria, who has used her influence to promote girls’ education, Kurdish photographer Niga Salam, whose work addresses environmental concerns, gender, and identity, and the Grammy Award-winning Brooklyn Youth Chorus.
The International Day of Peace, observed annually on September 21st, was designated as a day of non-violence and cessation of hostilities.
